Little else the Government can do

03/01/2014

Govt to prepare Bangkok traffic plan ahead of mass rally

The NationJanuary 3, 2014 1:00 am

caretaker Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday mapped out a plan to prepare transport routes for businesses in the event of road blockades during the mega rally threatened by anti-government protesters for January 13.

He instructed his ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Chusak Kewi, to take charge of managing goods transport to Klong Toei Port and Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Chadchart said he would today call a meeting with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials.

He added that part of the plan was to encourage people to use public transport instead of personal vehicles. More public parking areas would be provided for commuters wishing to use mass transit systems such as the BTS Skytrain and the Airport Link.

Caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan said he had advised Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra that he would take recourse to relevant laws to ensure that the BMA enforces its own regulations against any illegal action by protesters.

Charupong also requested that the BMA support the government’s Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (Capo) by providing vehicles, equipment and other resources to help keep the peace in the capital.

He also requested that the BMA remain politically neutral during this conflict.

Furthermore, he instructed that the BMA check all of its security cameras to ensure they function properly, especially at rally sites and routes protesters use, such as the areas around Government House, Parliament and the palaces.

If security officials want to inspect any security cameras, the BMA officials should cooperate.

The BMA was also asked to submit a traffic plan to alleviate the public’s plight during congestion caused by the rally. The agency should also provide officials to assist traffic police.